Petrol retailers withdraw from Rachel Reeves talks as 'inflammatory language sparks abuse at pumps'

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Mar 13, 2026 - 14:35

Petrol retailers withdraw from Rachel Reeves talks as 'inflammatory language sparks abuse at pumps'

Petrol retailers have pulled out of a meeting with Rachel Reeves after being met with "inflammatory language" by Government ministers.

The meeting, which was due to take place in just hours between the Chancellor and the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), was cancelled by the body over fears ministers' language could lead to "incidents of retail staff being abused by members of the public".

The PRA, a group representing both large and small independent petrol retailers across the UK, said: "The PRA wrote to the Chancellor for reassurance that the scheduled meeting be held in private, without media present to allow a conversation to explain how the fuel market works.

"As her office could not provide this, Gordon Balmer has withdrawn from the meeting."

GB News understands the language in question is understood to have come from both Ms Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, the former who said earlier today: "I will not tolerate any company exploiting the current situation to make excess profits at consumers' expense.

"I'm backing drivers and families - and I expect a fair deal at the pump," and the latter who said: "Tackling the cost of living is our number one priority - all fuel retailers must sign up for Fuel Finder so drivers can find the cheapest price at the pump.

"We will not hesitate to act to protect consumers against any unfair practices."

The meeting was set up to address soaring petrol and diesel prices in response to the war in Iran and the associated spike in oil costs.

The latest data from the RAC shows that drivers are forking out more than £1.40 on average for a litre of unleaded, a hike of more than 7.3p per litre since the end of February.